Interview with METH Srey Ka and NAI Panha accepted into the circle of the prestigious INSA

INSA (Institut National des Sciences Appliquées) is a group of eight Engineering establishments in France. They mainly issue a degree after a five-year program after the baccalaureate (grade 12 diploma). 

This year, two of our freshly high school graduates were accepted into the circle of the prestigious INSA, after studying hard to pass an exam for the international students: NAI Panha and METH Srey Ka. This is the first time a student is accepted to an engineering school in France directly after high school. 

Can you introduce yourself?

Panha: My name is Nai Panha, I am 19 years old, and I am a first-year at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, pursuing a bachelor degree in Bioengineering.

Srey Ka: My name is METH Srey Ka, I am 19 years old, and I am a first-year student at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia, pursuing a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering.

Why did you choose to study those majors?

Panha: For me, when I did the research on the “Bio-Engineering” program, I was fascinated and it interested me a lot. I felt like it was kind of linked with my natural talent: I like creating and finding new innovations and I like studying biology a lot too.

Since I was young, I have always imagined and designed machines that we have never seen in my village, like the drying machine, the car airbag, trainers 👟, anti-theft machine, etc... 

And when I first had my biology class in grade 7, my imaginations expanded. The more I learn about biology, the more I find it fascinating. I want to create things on my own, I want to put all those sketches I had imagined into reality.

Sreyka: For me, Civil Engineering is something that has interested me since a young age. Since I can remember I used to always follow the construction workers in my village to see the processes and progress of their work. They even used to call me Project Director!

What I love about this field is the creation of buildings, problem-solving and even if sometimes the tasks are the same for every project but the results are always different.

Congratulations to both for your acceptance into the INSA group. It was a really good surprise for us when we heard that news!

Why did you choose to study at that school?

Sreyka: I choose to study at INSA because it is a well-known institution in France that provides good knowledge for undergraduate students, especially since it has plenty of programs for engineering students, likewise civil engineering is available at INSA which is the subject that I’d like to learn. Moreover, it has a special program ASINSA which allows students from different countries of Asia to be able to study and pursue their dreams.

Panha: I chose to study at INSA because, first, the engineering program there is very qualified and well known. And as Sreyka mentioned, they have a special program called ASINSA, specifically for students from Asia. I feel that this program is really designed for me. 

Did you expect to be accepted by the INSA group? And how did you prepare yourself for this entrance exam?

Sreyka: Personally, I didn’t expect anything at all. I told myself that I must do my best and whatever the result is, I would accept it. I didn’t want to expect anything just in case it wouldn’t happen, so I wouldn’t get upset.

Panha: Same for me! I didn’t expect anything. I just wanted to do my best no matter what the result was. I would have accepted it and tried harder next time.

Thanks to Marie-Liesse, Chandara Students Home trainee from Polytechnique, she helped us to get ready for the exam. There was a lot of research and self-study. It was difficult, as  I expected it to be, though I tried my best.

Sreyka: It was challenging because although we are reviewing the lessons and exercises from high school, there were a lot of new things! French students have a higher level than us for sure, our math program in high school was not as complex and full as theirs.

How did you feel when you heard that you got accepted? And how did your entourage act when you announced the news?

Sreyka: I was so excited and happy! 

Panha: Me too I was so excited to have this opportunity! 

Sreyka: We were with Panha’s best friend when we received the result. She congratulated us a lot and then I called my mum to tell her about this good news, then she said she was so proud of me, and we cried together. 

Panha: My family was very happy too! But I called my dad first because he is the only one who has a telephone. I didn’t cry at first but then while I was announcing the news to them, I had an urge of emotions, then we all cried with joy together. Sreyka and I cried so loud but because of happiness of course. 

When will your university life at INSA start? 

Panha: Normally on the 8th of August, there will be a Bootcamp for around 1 month to introduce all the students to the school (Euro INSA, Asian INSA, American INSA) and French culture. 

Would it be your first time in France?

Panha: No, I have already been to France 3 times. The first time was for a study trip, I was chosen to go to England for a two weeks summer course but as France and England were so close, Toutes à l’Ecole gave me the opportunity to visit France during that time. I had about a week to discover Paris. Then the second time was also for a study trip, I had French class in the morning and discovery time in the afternoon. The third time was for the exchange program. It was for 1 year.

Sreyka: For me, it will be my first time not only in France but abroad. I have never been somewhere outside Cambodia yet. I am a bit nervous and afraid to feel homesick once I will be there because I will be far from my parents which I’ve never done before. However, after this experience, I will be stronger as I will learn how to be fully independent. At some point, I would have to fly on my own anyway. 

What is the thing you most look forward to once at INSA or in France? The ones you feared?

Panha: For me, I look forward to all the new challenges that will come along this journey. As for the fears, I guess I'm afraid I won't use the opportunity I got to the fullest.

Sreyka: I look forward to getting new experiences and also facing challenges like Panha said. The one I feared is to not adapt to the new environment as soon as possible and to not catch the lesson well in class.

What do you want to do with your diploma or your field?

Panha: I want to create a product that's good for health and good for nature. If you ask me now what kind of products, I don’t have the answer for that yet. I was thinking about food production and agriculture. I think I will have clearer ideas once my learning starts.

Sreyka: I want to create some projects which mainly focus on construction and transform our countries into developed countries little by little, with all the amazing buildings and architecture. 

Where do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

Panha: In 10 years or even after I graduate, I don’t know yet where I would be speaking of the location. I will keep myself available for all the open opportunities. But I am sure that at some point I will come back to Cambodia for sure! I see myself working in a research laboratory, experimenting with products to improve their quality. 

Sreyka: In the next 10 years, I see myself as a civil engineer who helps construct various buildings and make Cambodia become a country that is full of cultural and amazing constructions like the Angkor Wat temple. But first, after my graduation, my current plan is to continue studying for a master's degree in France if possible. 

Do you have something that you want to say to your friend or the next generations?

Panha: Sure! I have some messages to share with the young generation: You must do your best on the thing that you are doing but don’t put too much expectation on the results, from whatever you do you should accept the result that comes with it! In my experience when I expected too high, and when things didn’t turn out the way I expected, it hurt my feelings so much. The most important thing is to do your best and if you fail just try harder next time! It is not about luck but commitment.

Sreyka: For me, the young generation should focus on their studies and not allow other people or distractions to sway their focus away from their goals and dreams. At this age, you could lose control and lose interest or motivation very easily but remember no one knows you better than yourself. Furthermore, the important thing is to set your goal and always look forward. You can only learn from mistakes, but once you have made a wrong step just learn from it and don’t look back. By having this mindset, it will be easier to achieve your goals and become successful. If nothing opens for you then create your own chances and do things to make you step closer toward your goal, but don’t forget to be patient and humble!